HBO’s The Penguin: A Gritty Dive into Gotham’s Underworld

HBO has expanded its lineup of DC programming with The Penguin, a spin-off series set in the universe of Matt Reeves’ The Batman. While it’s not connected to the larger DC Extended Universe (DCEU) or James Gunn’s upcoming slate, this show is a darker, grittier offering, miles apart from HBO’s previous DC hit, Peacemaker. The Penguin focuses on the rise of Oswald Cobblepot, better known as the Penguin, who was played by Colin Farrell in The Batman. After captivating audiences in a supporting role, Farrell now takes center stage, with this series offering a closer look at the criminal underworld of Gotham.

The series premiered on Thursday, but HBO has confirmed it will move to the highly coveted Sunday night slot, previously held by heavyweights like House of the Dragon. This move alone speaks volumes about the show’s quality. As it unfolds, The Penguin continues to earn its place among HBO’s prestigious lineup.

The plot of The Penguin picks up in the aftermath of the events from The Batman, where Paul Dano’s Riddler flooded Gotham City, leaving chaos in his wake. However, unlike most superhero stories, this show avoids the typical heroics. In fact, Bruce Wayne/Batman, played by Robert Pattinson, is almost entirely absent. Instead, The Penguin dives deep into the power vacuum left by the death of Gotham’s reigning crime boss, Carmine Falcone, creating a pure mob drama.

In the opening episode, we witness Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot ruthlessly assert himself as a major player in Gotham’s underworld. With Falcone Sr. gone, his son steps up to claim his father’s throne—only to be brutally executed by the Penguin. The execution sets the tone for the series: this is a no-holds-barred crime drama, where violence, betrayal, and manipulation rule. Oz’s action is driven by ambition, as he dreams of becoming a revered gangster, a dream that is laughed at by Falcone’s son, prompting his immediate downfall.

What follows is a fascinating blend of dark comedy and intense drama. Instead of following the typical ruthless mobster path, Oz spares a witness to Falcone’s murder and recruits him instead. This young man, a street kid caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, becomes an unexpected ally in Penguin’s rise. Together, they form an unlikely partnership, which serves as one of the show’s most intriguing dynamics. Oz is a calculated operator, playing both sides of the criminal divide between the Falcone and Moroni families, all while plotting his own rise to power.

Farrell’s transformation into the Penguin is nothing short of extraordinary. While audiences saw glimpses of his character in The Batman, The Penguin allows him to fully immerse himself in the role. The prosthetic work on Farrell is astonishing—so much so that it’s hard to believe it’s him beneath the layers of makeup and the fatsuit. His portrayal goes beyond physical appearance; Farrell has crafted a version of the Penguin that is as captivating as it is menacing. Every move, every line of dialogue, feels like a masterclass in character acting. He is nearly unrecognizable, not just in looks but in his mannerisms and speech, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

In The Batman, the Penguin was a supporting player, but here, with more screen time, Farrell truly shines. He’s more than just a caricature of a comic book villain. His Oz is complex, with layers of ambition, insecurity, and a twisted sense of morality. It’s easy to see why HBO decided to give him his own show—he has the potential to carry the weight of an entire series.

Another standout in the cast is Cristin Milioti, who plays Sofia Falcone, the recently released daughter of Carmine Falcone. While she has less screen time in the early episodes, her presence looms large. Sofia is intelligent, ruthless, and has her sights set on taking control of the Falcone empire. What makes her character so compelling is her ability to see through Penguin’s manipulations. It’s clear that she will be a formidable adversary for Oz, making their eventual confrontation one of the most anticipated aspects of the show. While Oz is undoubtedly a villain, Sofia seems poised to become an even greater threat, a shadow looming over his aspirations.

Sofia’s character adds another layer of complexity to the series, as she isn’t merely a foil to Penguin but a fully realized character with her own motivations. Her rivalry with Oz feels personal, and the tension between them is palpable from the moment she steps on screen.

While The Penguin is a standalone series, it’s part of a larger vision that Matt Reeves has for Gotham. Reeves, who directed The Batman, has already confirmed that his version of Gotham will continue to evolve with more projects, including this series and a likely movie trilogy. His take on Gotham stands apart from other DC projects, offering a more grounded, noir-inspired version of the city. Gotham, in Reeves’ hands, is a city defined by its corruption and moral ambiguity, a place where heroes are scarce, and villains thrive. It’s easily one of the best interpretations of Gotham seen on screen.

There’s a clear distinction between Reeves’ gritty, dark universe and the more lighthearted tone that James Gunn is expected to bring to future DC projects. However, it’s hard to deny that Reeves has set a high bar with The Batman and now The Penguin. With this series, HBO and Reeves have scored another hit, cementing this version of Gotham as one of the most compelling in DC’s storied history.

As HBO moves forward with its slate of DC projects, including more from Reeves’ Gotham and Gunn’s universe, The Penguin proves that there’s room for both dark, character-driven stories and lighter, action-packed fare. For now, though, The Penguin stands as a must-watch for fans of gritty crime dramas, showcasing a version of Gotham that is as brutal as it is captivating.